The Rails of Amore: The Ultimate Guide to Exploring ALL of Italy
If you're planning to use trains in Italy (which this guide is build specifically for) here are some tips to help you have a smooth and enjoyable experience:
TRAIN TIPS
Plan your itinerary: This guide helps with this but be sure to become familiar with it. Before your trip, research the train routes, schedules, and destinations you want to visit. Familiarize yourself with the train network and identify any connections or transfers you may need to make.
Purchase tickets in advance: For popular routes or during peak travel seasons, it's advisable to buy your train tickets in advance. Here's the link to do so:
If the specific area has different place to purchase tickets, I have included it below. This helps secure your seat and allows you to take advantage of any discounted fares. You can purchase tickets online, at train stations, or through third-party ticket vendors.
Validate your ticket: This is only necessary if you bought in person, if you bought online there is no need for this step. Once you have your ticket, make sure to validate it before boarding the train. Most tickets need to be stamped in a yellow validation machine found near the platforms. Failure to validate your ticket may result in a fine if a ticket inspector checks it during the journey
Be mindful of pickpockets: Like in any crowded public space, train stations can attract pickpockets. Keep an eye on your belongings, especially in busy areas and during boarding and disembarking.
Check platform and track information: Pay attention to the electronic display boards or listen for announcements to find out the platform and track number for your train. These details can sometimes change, so it's essential to double-check before heading to the platform.
Be prepared for security checks: At some stations, particularly in larger cities, there might be security checks before boarding the train. Keep your identification documents readily accessible and be prepared to pass through metal detectors.
Know the different train types: Italy has various types of trains, including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca), regional trains (Regionale), and intercity trains (Intercity). Each type offers different levels of speed, comfort, and price. Choose the type that suits your needs and budget. I always bought the cheapest ones.
Consider seat reservations: While some trains allow open seating, others require seat reservations, especially for high-speed and long-distance trains. If you prefer a specific seat or want to guarantee a spot, it's recommended to make a reservation.
Enjoy the scenery: Italy's train routes often offer breathtaking views of the countryside and landscapes. Take the opportunity to relax, enjoy the scenery, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the country as you travel between destinations.
Remember that train travel in Italy can be a popular mode of transportation, so it's always a good idea to plan ahead, stay organized, and be flexible in case of any unexpected changes or delays.
OTHER TIPS:
If there is a church that charges to go inside, either attend during a mass time (and go to Mass!) or ask to go through the prayer line. Since this guide is built out specifically for Catholics, I would assume that is why you would be going into a Church anyway; to pray with the beauty of the church!
This guide is NOT meant for someone who is traveling with a ton of luggage, there is too much moving around for that. I highly recommend packing light (think just a backpack & if necessary a carryon suitcase). My recommendation is to go with just your clothes and toiletries in a backpack and then buy a small carryon bag toward the end of your trip for any gifts and clothes you purchase along the way!
I have many other tips for traveling around Italy, those are included in the FREE guide to Rome:
Start off in Rome! I have a whole FREE guide specific to Rome here:
After 3 days in Rome- let's take a train to Naples (day 4)
Book your train ticket from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale:
When you arrive in Naples you will need to use the metro system (follow the M). Purchase an all day pass (4.50 euro) so that you can use that pass to get to Pompei as well.
Start off at Naples Cathedral
The church houses a vial of the blood of Saint Januarius, which is brought out three times a year, on the first Saturday in May, on 19 September and 16 December, when the dried blood usually liquefies. .
Walk five minutes to this historic alley, oftentimes known as the Christmas Alley!
After a morning in Naples make your way to Pompei!
You should be able to use your metro card that you purchased in Naples, if you purchased an all day pass.
We checked into our hotel in Pompeii before going to Pompeii. We arrived at Pompeii at 5:30 & this was the perfect time because the weather was nice & the crowds were small.
10 minute walk to:
(day 5) Sorrento, Capri, & Amalfi Coast
Take the metro from Pompei to Sorrento! You will be able to go to the metro station and buy a ticket right there. Once you arrive in Sorrento there are a couple options: Check into your hotel & take a rest day in Sorrento or drop off your stuff at the hotel at take a tour. We did a tour to Capri but you can also do one to the Amalfi Coast.
(day 6) Onto Assisi!
Getting to Assisi from Sorrento is a bit of a hike - but make it a nice restful train day and the views are beautiful! You will take the metro system from Sorrento to Napoli Centrale. You will show up at the metro station and purchase a ticket from Sorrento to Napoli Centrale (I recommend purchasing the night before on your phone as instructed at the beginning of this guide). When you are on Tren Italia you will book a ticket from Napoli Centrale to Assisi. It will show you where your layovers are, how long they are, and what number your train is. Remember: never look for train destination, always look for the proper train number.
Once you arrive at Napoli Centrale you will follow the signs to "tren" or the trains. Once you have arrived at the train station you will take a train to Romei (refer back to the beginning section on tips and tricks for train stations in Italy).
Once you arrive in Rome you will take a train with the destination to Florence (Firenze), but you will take the Assisi stop.
After you arrive in Assisi you will need to take the Bus or a Taxi to your hotel or airbnb. Please remember that Assisi is very hilly, thus it is a very important to book a stay in the main city. The taxi ride will cost you around 25 euro. And here is the bus information for Assisi:
I'd recommend watching the sunset from:
Find some yummy food and rest this evening!
(day 7) Assisi!
All of these places except for the last place you can walk to.
Start off at the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi. Be sure to walk down the stairs to visit the lower church and the tomb of St Francis + his followers.
You will find the Sacro Convento connected to the Church. This is a Franciscan friary in Assisi.
Walk six minutes to the L'Oratory of the Pilgrims which is a small church of Assisi.
Walk 7 minutes to Chiesa Nuova, a church built in 1615 on the presumed birthplace of. St Francis, the house of Pietro di Bernardone. The high altar is set over the room of St Francis. When you are there you can visit the shop where St Francis sold his cloth.
Walk 3 minutes to the Basilica of Saint Clare. Here you will find the remains of Saint Clare and Agnes of Assisi in the crypt. Here you will also find the Crucifix of San Domiano, the crucifix that spoke to St Francis, telling him build his church.
Next walk 13 minutes to Rocca Maggiore. Please check to make sure it is open before you make the climb to the castle, because it is often closed.
Walk 9 minutes to the Assisi cathedral which contain the remains of bishop Refinus, a martyr of the church. This is the very church that St Francis & Clare were baptized at.
Walk 4 minutes to the Church where you will find the body of Blessed Carlos Acutis
You will need to take a taxi to Eremo Delle Carceri. The taxi is 20 euro there and 25 back. You MUST go to this place. This is the hermitage where St. Francis would go to pray and hear you will find his cave among with the caves of his followers.
(day 8) onto Florence!
Take the taxi to the train stop and take the train from Assisi to Firenze! Be sure to book your ticket the night before on as instructed at the beginning of this guide!
Here is the beautiful resort we stayed at & loved! It is outside of Florence but they have a bus that takes you in and out of Florence plus a bus station right next to the resort.
After you check in here (they let us check in early) I recommend just chilling at the resort this evening!
(day 9) Florence
Please note that you will need to buy tickets for most places in Florence, including the churches.
Start off at the gallery most well know for Michelangelo's David
Seven minute walk to the Florence Cathedral (please note that it is close Saturday and Sunday except if you are attending mass)
Across from the Cathedral is the:
One minute walk to:
3 minute walk to the beautiful ancient forum then a ghetto, now a square with very famous cafes:
two minute walk to:
one minute walk to:
(day 10) Florence:
In the same same square you will find these two places:
Walk two minutes to one of the oldest and best museums in the world:
Walk 4 minutes to:
Walk 11 minutes to:
Walk 8 minutes to:
Walk 5 minutes to:
Walk 27 minutes to this next place but enjoy shopping & gelato along the way:
Walk 6 minutes to:
(day 11) onto Pisa & Turin
I'd recommend taking an early morning and heading to Turin with a stop in Pisa. You will start by booking a train from Florence to Pisa on Train Italia After arriving in Turin you will likely to take the metro (follow the M) to the closest stop to your airbnb. Always type to address into your map & press "bus" directions to get you to your location fastest.
After a quick stop at the leaning tower of Pisa, take a train booked for Turin (Turino). Once you arrive in Turin I recommend checking into your hotel & then heading onto the Turin Cathedral. The Turin Cathedral, which has the shroud of Turin & the body of Frassati, is the main place to see here, though I will include a few other places you can stop at.
3 minute walk to:
1 minute walk to:
2 minute walk to:
(day 12) onto Milan!
Take train from Turin (Turino) to Milan (Milano)
After arriving in Milan you will likely to take the metro (follow the M) to the closest stop to your airbnb. Always type to address into your map & press "bus" directions to get you to your location fastest. After arriving in Milan, I'd recommend checking into your location & then exploring the city! It really is small enough to see in half a day
4 minute walk to:
one minute walk to:
2 minute walk to:
2 minute walk to:
24 minute walk to see da Vinci's Last Supper fresco
(day 13) day trip to Switzerland
We took this wonderful day trip from Milan to the Swiss Alps! I would HIGHLY Recommend!
(day 14) onto Padua!
Start off at the Basilica of Saint Anthony where you can pray at the tomb of St Anthony & see many beautiful relics including the incorruptible tongue of St. Anthony!
Walk 18 minutes to see a beautiful fresco by Giotto:
(day 15-16) Venice!
Take the train from Padua (about a 30 minute ride!) I've included a list of what can be done in Venice in one or two days. We booked an evening flight out of Venice back to the USA, which allows you to have one and a half days in Venice!
Please keep in mind that transportation around Venice will be through water taxi and walking. The water taxis are very expensive (45 euro for a three day pass, 9.50 for a 90 minute pass.). I recommend only using the water taxi twice, when you arrive in Venice and need to get to the main area, and on your way back. Aside from that, don't be afraid to wonder and walk through the beautiful streets and shops of Venice!
6 minute walk to:
3 minute walk to:
1 minute walk to Saint Marks basilica. Keep in mind that the lines for this place will be long, and the tickets will cost money. I recommend attending a mass here and going through the prayer line; it will be free and you will get an actual spiritual experience here.
3 minute walk to:
3 minute walk to
8 minute walk to:
2 minute walk to:
6 minute walk to:
12 minute walk to:
12 minute walk to:
18 minutes
That is the end of the itinerary! We flew out of the Venice airport- there is a direct bus from the Venice train stop to the airport (10 euro each).
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